7 Celebrities Actively Advocating for Those with Autism

April is National Autism Awareness Month, a time to bring attention and acceptance to those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism. Autism touches many of our lives with children being diagnosed all the time, according to recent studies, “an estimated 1 out of 54 boys and 1 in 252 girls are diagnosed with autism in the United States.” And of course it’s not just you, me and our neighbors whose lives are effected by autism, celebrities are in the mix as well. One wonderful side effect about being famous is that you can bring much needed attention to a cause. Here are seven celebrity parents are fighting for more resources, attention and action in the name of autism.

Kate Winslet 1 of 7

Kate Winslet's asks on her website for her organization the Golden Hat Foundation
to, "join me in honoring the intellectual capabilities of those with autism. Together we can make a difference." She narrated the documentary A Mother's Courage: Talking Back to Autism, and put out a book, The Golden Hat: Talking Back to Autism. You can check out Kate talking about her charity work to raise funds for resources for those struggling with autism.
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Jenny McCarthy is one of the most outspoken celebrities on the subject of autism. Jenny began her journey fighting for those with autism after her son Evan was diagnosed with austin back in 2005. Her organization Generation Rescue is a place where families can get resources, advice and so much more. Check out Jenny talking about Generation Rescue below.

Jacqueline Laurita 3 of 7

The Real Housewives of New Jersey star announced in the pages of People Magazine last August that her 3-year-old son Nicolas has autism. And since sharing the news, Jacqueline Laurita has been very vocal, open and honest about how her family is coping. She now has a column for Parenting Magazine where she writes, "Our family faces many challenges, just like any other family. Right now, one of our greatest happens to be helping Nicholas recover from autism—because I believe it's possible. Maybe not all children will recover, but many have, and all of us parents with a child on the spectrum should be given that hope." Well said!

Holly Robinson Peete 4 of 7

Actress Holly Robinson Peete created the Hollyrod Foundation that offers, "help and hope through compassionate care of families living with Autism and Parkinson's Disease." Holly's father was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease while her eldest son RJ was diagnosed with autism. She has been tirelessly fighting for more resources, attention, and help for those affected by both PD and Autism. You can check out more about the incredible work Holly has done right here.

Toni Braxton 5 of 7

Toni Braxton has been very open about her son Diezel's diagnosis.
"My youngest son Diezel suffers from autism and he was diagnosed when he was three," Braxton told Fox and Friends. "He's eight now so it has been a long road, a long struggle. As a mom I knew something was different about him when he was probably nine months old. By the time he became a year and a half I thought 'He's not developing like his older brother.' It was inconclusive, and finally at three they said, 'Yes, he's autistic.'"

Joe Mantegna 6 of 7

Actor Joe Mantegna's daughter Mia was diagnosed with autism back in 1990, when autism wasn't as prevalent as it is today. Joe and his wife were shocked when the doctors told them their daughter was autistic. "I remember it hit my wife and me like a ton of bricks, because, first of all, it was just a word we had heard about," he says. But they were strong and supportive saying, "We thought if we were going to face this, let's all face it together. Let's do this as a family." Source: Brain World Magazine

Dan Marino 7 of 7

Football legend Dan Marino stated the Dan Marino Foundation in 1992 with the mission "open doors toward independence for children and young adults with autism and special needs by creating awareness and opportunities." He and his wife Claire began their work in helping those with autism after their own son Michael Marino was diagnosed at the young age of two.
You can read more about the DMF right here.

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